Luminaires, systems and methods for providing spectrally and spatially modulated illumination

Abstract

Embodiments include a lighting device that includes a first illumination source comprising a light-emitting diode (LED) of a first color that generates a first light output with a first melanopic ratio of greater than 0.8, and a second illumination source comprising an LED of a second color that generates a second light output with a second melanopic ratio that is less than the first melanopic ratio. The lighting device also includes a light distribution unit for directing and distributing illumination generated by the first and second illumination sources, where at least one of the first illumination source and the second illumination source is affixed to the light distribution unit, and where the first and second illumination sources are oriented relative to one another such that their respective light outputs are directed in different directions.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A lighting device that provides adjustable spectral and spatial illumination to facilitate or coordinate with human circadian rhythms comprising:
 a first illumination source comprising a light-emitting diode (LED) of a first color that generates a first light output with a first melanopic ratio of greater than 0.8; 
 a second illumination source comprising an LED of a second color that generates a second light output with a second melanopic ratio that is less than the first melanopic ratio; and 
 a light distribution unit for directing and distributing illumination generated by the first and second illumination sources, wherein at least one of the first illumination source and the second illumination source is affixed to the light distribution unit, and wherein the first and second illumination sources are oriented relative to one another such that their respective light outputs are directed in different directions. 
 
     
     
       2. The lighting device of  claim 1  wherein the first light output of the first illumination source and the second light output of the second illumination source are generally directed in opposite directions. 
     
     
       3. The lighting device of  claim 1  wherein the first light output from the first illumination source is generally directed upward and away from a floor or a lower portion of a room or other space and results in indirect lighting from above, and wherein the second light output from the second illumination source is generally directed downward towards the floor or the lower portion of the room or other space. 
     
     
       4. The lighting device of  claim 1  wherein the light distribution unit is edge-lit by the first illumination source and the second illumination source. 
     
     
       5. The lighting device of  claim 1  wherein the first melanopic ratio of the first illumination source is greater than about 1.2, and the second melanopic ratio of the second illumination source is less than about 1.2. 
     
     
       6. The lighting device of  claim 1  wherein:
 the first illumination source is affixed to a lower portion of the light distribution unit, with the first light output oriented in an upward direction; and 
 the second illumination source is affixed to an upper portion of the light distribution unit, with the second light output oriented in a downward direction. 
 
     
     
       7. The lighting device of  claim 1  wherein the first color has a first color temperature greater than 4000 K and the second color has a second color temperature less than 2700 K. 
     
     
       8. The lighting device of  claim 1  wherein the light distribution unit is a shade or diffuser. 
     
     
       9. The lighting device of  claim 1  further comprising a control interface that varies spectral intensities of the first light output and the second light output. 
     
     
       10. The lighting device of  claim 1  further comprising a control interface for independently adjusting the first light output of the LED of the first color and the second light output of the LED of the second color, and whereby the lighting device outputs a melanopic flux during daytime that is higher than at nighttime. 
     
     
       11. The lighting device of  claim 1  further comprising a control interface that varies a spatial direction, orientation and distribution of the first light output and the second light output emitted by the lighting device. 
     
     
       12. The lighting device of  claim 1  further comprising a networked interface allowing a user to remotely operate the lighting device. 
     
     
       13. The lighting device of  claim 1  further comprising a programmable light controller that controls the first illumination source and the second illumination source. 
     
     
       14. The lighting device of  claim 13  wherein the programmable light controller further comprises a sensor or a receiver for data input.